Broncos Athletics

Athletics Celebrates Rivalry Series Victory

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -
The San Jose Sports Authority honored the Santa Clara University Department of Athletics and Recreation Wednesday with a victory BBQ after the Broncos earned a 24-8 victory over San Jose State in the annual Rivalry Series between the two schools.

The Rivalry Series between the two schools began in the 2002-03 season. The annual winner of the series, presented in association with the San Jose Sports Authority, is determined by a points system based on head-to-head competition in the sports in which the two schools compete. The winner of each sport receives a predetermined number of points for that particular school.

The school that receives the highest number of points in the series standings at the end of the year claims possession of a trophy that bears the name of the each year's winner. The trophy remains in the winning school's possession until the next season's winner is determined.

"We are very proud to continue to support this Rivalry Series," said Dean Munro, executive director of the San Jose Sports Authority. "Healthy competition and rivalry between Santa Clara and San Jose State goes back a number of years, back to the great college basketball games of the 50s and 60s and much, much more. Congratulation to the Broncos for a well-deserved victory and we all look forward to another great competition next season, particularly due to the close, peresonal relationship of the athletic directors from each institution."

The San Jose Sports Authority conducted a BBQ in the Jerry Kerr Alumni Park, located adjacent to SCU's Leavey Center and Buck Shaw Stadium, for all Bronco athletic coaches and staff. In addition, student-athletes representing from Bronco sports team, members of the SJSA Board of Directors and several members of the San Jose State athletics staff were present. The lunch was provided by Peggy Sue's in San Jose. In addition, the SJSA provided each person in attendance with a commemorative t-shirt.

"We really are thrilled to win the Rivalry Series this year," said Santa Clara's director of athletics Dan Coonan. "When I got to Santa Clara in the fall, I didn't have as keen of an eye on the importance of competition between the two schools. Now that my good friend Tom Bowen is the athletic director at San Jose State, there is certainly something a bit more personal involved. With so many alumni and fans of the two schools throughout the South Bay, I think the personal aspect of this rivalry is much more prevalent than I ever realized."

In addition to acknowledging the local rivalry between the two schools, the Rivalry Series was established with the intent to build school spirit among the student body on both campuses. Ruff Riders co-president Michael Zozos also attended the BBQ and expressed their desire to continue to work on expanding school spirit at SCU.

"On behalf of the Ruff Riders, I congratulate the teams and coaches who earned this award," said Zozos. "We've been working hard to enhance school spirit on our campus and this Rivalry Series helps us come together for a common cause. For the third year in a row we have bragging rights and you can bet we will put that honor to good use over the next 12 months."